February 2
Greeting
Jesus shared the same flesh and blood as we so that he could become completely like his brothers and sisters and, compassionate and trustworthy, atone for our human sins. May this Lord Jesus be always with you. R/ And also with you.
Introduction by the Celebrant
We have come together to celebrate today the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. It is a feast of joy because of the hope this child brings to people old and young: here is the future, here is salvation: God has kept his promise of life and pardon. But there is also sadness in it: the child will bring pain to his mother and he will be rejected even by some of his own people, though he comes as a light for all. Let the lighted candles in our hands be the sign that we do not reject him but follow him as the light of our life.
Blessing of the candles
Let us pray that the Lord may light in our hearts the fire to follow Jesus our light. (PAUSE) God our Father, you are the true light. When you speak, darkness gives way to daylight, the world reflects your brightness, we can live in the light of your love. Make yourself known to us as we carry these lighted candles into your church and make our faces resplendent with your glory. Make us children of light, keep us from the darkness of sin and lead us to your everlasting light through him who is our way, our truth and life and the light of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. R/ Amen. (Sprinkling with holy water in silence.)
Procession
Let us go in peace to meet the Lord.
II. MASS
In the Mass with blessing of candles, there is no penitential act after the entrance song but the Mass continues with the Gloria and the Opening Prayer. In other Masses of the day without blessing of candles, the following penitential act could be used:
Penitential Act
We have at times followed "lights" other than Christ, the true Light. We ask now the Lord to forgive us. (PAUSE) Lord Jesus, let your light guide us on the road to the Father: Lord, have mercy. R/ Lord, have mercy.
Jesus Christ, shine on us the light of truth and wisdom of the Spirit: Christ, have mercy. R/ Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, let the light of your mercy gather all nations in your love: Lord, have mercy. R/ Lord, have mercy.
Have mercy on us, Lord, and forgive us all our sins. May we walk in the light of Christ until you lead us into everlasting life. R/ Amen.
Opening Prayer
Let us pray that with Jesus our light we may set out resolutely on the road of renewal (PAUSE)
Our God and Father, it is hard for us to say farewell to all that looks familiar and safe: our settled ways, our self-complacency, our certainties and practices. We offer ourselves with Jesus our Lord and ask for the strength to follow his light.
Help us accept with him the insecurity of true renewal and to bring to all around us the light and the warmth of your Son.
Let this be the sacrifice we offer you today together with Jesus Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
Liturgy of the Word
First Reading Introduction: The Savior Will Purify You
The Savior will come to his temple, that is, live among his people to purify our hearts. Then our offerings will be pleasing to God.
Second Reading Introduction: Jesus Became Like Us to Help Us
Jesus became human like us to understand us, to be one with us in our trials, to make us free for God and one another.
Gospel Introduction: The Light Shines for Those Who Accept It
Those who wait with faith for God's coming will recognize him even in his humble appearances. But to follow Christ is often demanding.
General Intercessions (Thanks to Fr René Mouret; adapted)
Let us pray together to Jesus, our compassionate and trustworthy high priest, who is able to help all our brothers and sisters, and let us say: R/ Lord, welcome us to your light and love.
- That our Lord may accept children, even if no one presents them to him, let us pray: R/ Lord, welcome us to your light and love.
- That our Lord may accept parents, even if they have not succeeded in bringing their children to him, let us pray: R/ Lord, welcome us to your light and love.
- That our Lord may accept old people, even if they have not yet recognized the Savior and have not found peace, let us pray: R/ Lord, welcome us to your light and love.
- That our Lord may accept all peoples, even if they are not aware of the riches Christ offers them and of the happiness he has prepared for them, let us pray:R/ Lord, welcome us to your light and love.
- That the Lord may accept all Christians, even if they have failed to let his light shine on all nations, let us pray: R/ Lord, welcome us to your light and love.
Lord, accept our prayer in this holy place where you have come to encounter us. Show your love to all those we have presented to you, our Lord for ever and ever. R/ Amen.
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord God, almighty and loving Father, you let your light shine in our darkness; you give us your Son Jesus Christ, and let us share in his offering. Accept us with our half-truths and our groping efforts to seek your will. Purify our faith in the trials of life. May our offering be pleasing to you through Jesus Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
Introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer
Jesus was offered in the Temple. With him and with Mary and Joseph we offer ourselves to be with Jesus a light to our brothers and sisters.
Introduction to the Lord's Prayer
Let us offer the prayer of Jesus to our Father in heaven: R/ Our Father...
Deliver Us
Deliver us, Lord, from the darkness of sin and let the light of your love and peace shine on us, your people. Purify your Church, that it may bear witness to the light of the gospel in a world torn by wars and strife. Let your kindly light lead us forward in hope and joy, as we work for the full coming among us of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. R/ For the kingdom...
Invitation to Communion
This is our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the light that came into this world to enlighten all people. Happy are we to share in his offering and to receive him as the bread of life. R/ Lord, I am not worthy...
Prayer after Communion
Our God and Father, you spoke your mighty word to the world and there was light. You have spoken your Word Jesus Christ among us and there is light in our minds and hearts. Do not allow us to keep this light of Jesus hidden under the shade of our mediocrity, but let it shine in our words and deeds, that it may brighten the footsteps of all people in search of the truth. We ask you this on account of him who is the light and the guiding star of our lives, Jesus Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
Blessing
We have seen today the true light that shines on our lives. This is the light we intend to follow and let be the guide of all we do. For in this light we see where we are going and where it will lead us. Let it shine on us and in us! May all see it and follow it. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. R/ Amen.
Go in peace and take the light of Christ with you to let it shine on all. R/ Thanks be to God.
